UCPD searches for suspect of reported arson, aggravated assault near Medical Plaza


By Gabrielle Gillette
Sept. 25, 2024 12:55 p.m.
This post was updated Sept. 25 at 12:59 p.m.
UCPD is searching for an individual suspected of arson and aggravated assault in UCLA’s Medical Plaza early Wednesday morning.
According to a crime alert sent Wednesday, the victim was sleeping in a sleeping bag near the fountain area at 300 Medical Plaza and woke to his sleeping bag on fire around 3 a.m. The victim saw the suspect, with whom he said he previously argued, walking away from the area.
The victim was not affiliated with UCLA, according to the alert.
The suspect was reportedly a female in her 30s wearing a black sweater, blue leggings and blue sandals. She was reported as being around 150 lbs and about five feet, two inches tall, according to the alert.
The location had previously been the site of Students for Justice in Palestine’s mutual aid distribution program, with students handing out food – including to people experiencing homelessness – next to the fountain.
The incident was originally reported as an assault with a deadly weapon in the UCLA Daily Crime and Fire Log.
No injuries or vehicles were reported as related to the incident.
Nicholas Prange, a Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson, said LAFD did not dispatch any resources to 300 Medical Plaza on Wednesday morning. UCLA Fire Department does not respond to requests during that time period, meaning LAFD would have jurisdiction.
UCPD did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
This case is currently under investigation. Anyone with information can call UCPD at 310-825-1491.